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Protesters block copper exports to China
from Rio Tinto mine in Mongolia
[June 17, 2026]
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (AP) — Protesters blocked copper exports
from a huge Rio Tinto mine in Mongolia on Wednesday, partially cutting
off the supply of a mineral vital to China’s renewable energy ambitions.
The protest group, called the Radical Reform Movement, is pushing for a
greater share of mining revenue for Mongolians, a long-running demand in
a nation where poverty persists despite the exploitation of its mineral
riches. Copper is needed for electric vehicles and solar and wind power
installations, all industries where China is a world leader. |
A crane hovers above the site of a new shaft under construction at the
Oyu Tolgoi mine site in Khanbogd village, Umnugobi province, Mongolia,
Nov. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Ganbat Namjilsangarav, File) |
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It
wasn't clear if the protest was a one-day affair aimed at
drawing attention to the issue or the start of a prolonged
standoff that could have a deeper economic impact in both
countries.
Videos posted on Facebook by the Radical Reform Movement showed
a small group of protesters milling around a barrier set up on a
two-lane road running through a barren landscape on a bright
sunny day. A white banner that said “Stop Rio Tinto” in red
letters was draped on a large tree branch across the road in
front of the tire wall.
The Oyu Tolgoi mine is a massive undertaking to tap a vast
reserve of copper deep in the Gobi Desert. About 80 kilometers
(50 miles) north of the border with China, it also has large
gold deposits and is expected to be the fourth largest copper
mine in the world when fully operational, Rio Tinto has said.
The British-Australian mining giant owns 66% of the mine, with
the Mongolian government holding the other 34%.
The jointly owned mining company said shipments of copper
concentrate were halted after the road was blocked on Wednesday
morning. It said the Oyu Tolgoi mine contributes about 9% of
Mongolia's tax revenues and warned that a weeklong blockage
could cost the government 35 billion Mongolian Tugrik ($13.3
million).
At a Cabinet meeting, Mongolian Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor
told the justice and internal affairs minister to enforce the
law and hold accountable those who unlawfully obstruct or
interfere with business operations being conducted in accordance
with the law and regulations, according to the a government
Facebook page.
The Radical Reform Movement has called for the expulsion of
foreign investors. While others wouldn't go that far, there are
voices in the government calling for the renegotiation of the
agreement with Rio Tinto to give the country a larger share of
the benefits.
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